Hyderabad: The humble tomato, a key ingredient in many dishes made across the country, usually retails anywhere between Rs. 20 and 40 per kg. But in the last two weeks, the prices have gone to a whopping amount, disrupting middle class household budget.
In Hyderabad, the prices of the key kitchen staple have gone up leaving the consumer in shock. It is available at Rs. 100 per kg.
A retail vegetable seller in Saroornagar says he sells for Rs. 100 per kg, by adding a margin of only Rs 5-10 per kg to make a profit.
Due to poor rains, the crop from neighbouring states has gotten affected because of which prices have automatically risen, said an official of the Telangana Agriculture Marketing Department.
The country’s tomato production is estimated to be higher by 15 per cent at 187 lakh tonnes in 2016-17 crop year (July- June), as per the government estimate.